Animal companionship charity OSF appoints vet as patron
“I’m proud to become a patron of OSF, a fantastic and dedicated organisation that I've admired for years” – Marc Abraham.
A charity that delivers animal companionship support services to vulnerable individuals has appointed veterinary surgeon Marc Abraham OBE as its patron.
Dr Abraham will help Our Special Friends (OSF) to promote the work that it carries out in West Suffolk and support the adoption of the charity's model in other parts of the UK.
The charity was founded ten years ago by veterinary surgeon Belinda 'Bin' Johnston to help individuals access and maintain the benefits of animal companionship.
The services it offers include 'foster to reunite' care, advocacy to keep owners and pets together, dog walking and accompanied dog walking for people with limited mobility, and visits with friendly dogs for people unable to care for their own pet.
The work OSF provides is delivered in collaboration with professionals in the community such as social workers, GPs, veterinary practices, and domestic abuse charities.
Dr Abraham, also known as ‘Marc the Vet’, is an author, broadcaster, and animal welfare campaigner in addition to working as a veterinary surgeon. He has previously founded the Pup Aid campaign to raise awareness about puppy farms and is the co-founder and secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group.
Dr Abraham said: “I’m proud to become a patron of OSF, a fantastic and dedicated organisation that I've admired for years.
“The human-animal bond offers many health benefits; from improving heart health to alleviating depression and loneliness. It can also increase wellbeing and support child health and development - especially for those with special educational needs and disabilities. It can even contribute to a healthy ageing process.
“I’m looking forward to working with OSF to promote the power and value of the human-animal bond.”
OSF has also appointed two news trustees: Rebecca Stephens, a senior lecturer in social work at the University of Sussex, and veterinary surgeon Rebekah Sullivan.
Dr Johnston added: “We’re also thrilled to welcome Rebecca and Rebekah to our board of trustees.
“Their skills, expertise and enthusiasm are a perfect fit for OSF and we look forward to working with them to enhance the lives of people and animals at risk through the power of animal companionship support services in the months ahead.”
Image © Our Special Friends
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
